Extra Dose of Guilt: JAMA Study Shows Increased Allergy Risks For Infants Exposed to Acid-Suppressive Medications and Antibiotics

New study results from JAMA Pediatrics states that "Early exposure to medications that can alter the micro biome, including acid-suppressive medications and antibiotics, may influence the likelihood of allergy."

Of the 792,130 infants researched, the study found that those given H2 blockers or P.P.I.s (typically prescribed for reflux and GERD/GORD) "were more than twice as likely to have a food allergy as those who were not." Check out the NYTimes article "Giving Babies Antibiotics or Antacids May Increase Allergy Risk," for all the details and commentary.

I've written before about the weight of medication decisions for families of babies with reflux. For many, and with severe cases and situations, there is no choice in the matter; medication may be the only option in addition to other medical interventions. 

From following reflux experts, bloggers and general recommendations online for more than five years now, I have not seen a more a polarizing topic than this one. 

For us and our "happy" spitter we chose to wait-it-out (while I cried-it-out each night). We managed the massive spit ups while watching the weight gain and other factors as the weeks passed by. And spoiler alert: our child still has some allergies and sensitivities/tummy troubles. While there is no winning here, I can say that I'd rather know all I can and have access to all information out there. Studies like this are here to inform and not to add to guilt or anxiety either way. 

So what's a parent to do? Educate yourself - weigh the risks - know the score - and continue to do what you and your doctor think is the best course (even if just for the day in front of you). Don't be afraid to reassess on the regular, and change directions when you need to. 

How do you respond to the new study results? 
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Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash

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